The organisers of YIEF-2017 are expecting a minimum of 1500 delegates, from 40 countries

St. Petersburg, June 17, 2016 /Press Service YIEFF/.For the first time, the presentation of the Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF) 2017 was held within the framework of Russia's most large-scale business event – the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The presentation included contributions from:

Mr Sergey Aksyonov, the Head of the Crimean Republic;
Mr Vladimir Konstantinov, the Chairman of the State Council of the Crimean Republic;
Mr Andrei Nazorov, co-chairman of the Russia-wide social organisation Delovaya Rossiya, and Chairman of the Foundation Directorate of the Yalta International Economic Forum;
Mr Sergey Lazutkin, Foundation Director of the Yalta International Economic Forum;
Mr Georgy Briussov, member of the Foundation Directorate of the Yalta International Economic Forum.

The Forum Organisers – the Government of the Crimean Republic, and the Yalta International Economic Forum Foundation supported by the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.

The Head of the Crimean Republic, Mr Sergey Aksyonov, who heads the Organising Committee of the YIEF, said in his inaugural speech that the Yalta International Economic Forum, to be held for the third time in 2017, wields no less potential than the St Petersburg Economic Forum, and may even in future exceed its results. “The SPIEF is a benchmark event for the whole country. However, I feel that Crimea's potential is no less. The Yalta International Economic Forum is picking up speed, and raising its game. In my view, we can achieve exactly the same results as those reached by our colleagues, friends, and partners – and moreover, they are helping us”, said Mr Aksyonov.

He went on to say that the Crimean authorities were open for collaboration and ready to answer any questions which investors might have. “We guarantee that we'll set up the ideal business environment – with fully transparency, understanding, and simplicity”, the Crimean Republic Head emphasised.

Mr Aksyonov also presented his personal participation invitations to YIEF-2017, which is to be held on 20th to 22nd April 2017, He personally invited the head of the Thomas Vendôme Investment corporation, Monsieur Jean-Pierre Thomas. In Aksyonov's opinion, M Thomas had displayed a principled and friendly position towards Russia, and the Crimean Republic, and had played a valuable role in the resolution of the French Parliament in passing a resolution recommending a softening of the sanctions regime imposed against Russia.

“When distinguished guests arrive, and then go home to tell their countrymen the truth about the situation in Crimea, this is very valuable. I am certain that nothing can threaten either Russia or Crimea when we have such friends. Monsieur Thomas, my deepest bow to you! Thank you, for taking this position!”, Mr Aksyonov related.

In reply, Monsieur Thomas thanked the Head of the Crimean Republic for the invitation, and noted that Yalta had greatly reminded him of Nice. “I am most grateful to you for the invitation to the Yalta Forum, which will take place in such a wonderful and beautiful city. Thank you for the chance to see and feel how business is picking up in Crimea!” declared Jean-Pierre Thomas. He similarly noted that even before the announcement of the abolition of sanctions against Russia and Crimea, it was essential to put fostering business conditions in place for the development of international business. “Even before the moment that sanctions on this richly-endowed region, it is vital to prepare Crimean lands for the arrival of international business” declared the CEO of Thomas Vendôme Investment.

The Chairman of the State Council of the Crimean Republic, Mr Vladimir Konstantinov, said in turn that the Yalta Forum was a valuable platform for dialogue between the authorities and business. “The platform has been set up at which investment projects can be presented, sum up the conclusions of work aimed at bolstering the business climate, and – most importantly – organise dialogue with the participation both of investors who are already active in Crimea, and those who are still considering their commitment to Crimean projects. This level of discussion – honest, frank, and open-minded – is, to my mind, of great value”, concluded Mr Konstantinov. He further added that this year the Crimean Republic was taking part for the first time in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. The Crimean Region was represented by two exhibition stands, On one of these the business climate and economic potential of the Crimean Region is presented, while the second presents the Yalta International Economic Forum. “It's excellent to see that this year the Crimean Republic is represented at the SPIEF with two stands. It's an approach we'll be continuing” said the Chairman of the State Council of the Crimean Republic.

The Co-Chairman of the Russia-wide social organisation Delovaya Rossiya, and Chair of the Foundation Directorate of YIEF, Mr Andrei Nazarov said that potential and results of the YIEF were noticeably rising every year. If the first Forum, held in 2015, attracted 600 participants from 13 countries, then the next Forum, in 2017, is expected to attract 1500 participants at a bare minimum, from 40 different countries.

Mr Nazarov noted that the Yalta International Economic Forum was involved in changing attitudes of citizens of Western countries to the sanctions imposed against Russia. “After taking part in the second YIEF, our friends from other countries began the process of abolishing sanctions. Many parliaments at different levels have already passed the relevant resolutions”, the Chair of the YIEF Foundation Directorate noted. Mr Nazarov went on to call the YIEF a rendezvous for European politicians of new formations. “They are determined to stand up for the development of the potential of their own countries, regardless of transatlantic leaders who insist on the maintenance of a sanctions blockade against Russia”, Mr Nazarov commented.

Mr Nazarov reminded delegates that during discussions at the YIEF which took place over 14th to 16th April this year, new initiatives for economic development and approaches for economic growth were taken, which will apply not only to Crimea, but throughout the whole of Russia.

“Based on the results of the Forum, a presentation to the President of the Russian Federation was prepared, and is now in the process of finalisation – the outcome of which will result in decrees that will affect the development of Crimea, and of Russia overall”, Mr Nazarov said.

IN BRIEF

The Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF) is an annual international business event in the field of economic, which takes place in Russia's Crimean Federal Region. The Organising Committee for YIEF-2016 was led by the Head of the Crimean Republic, Mr Sergey Aksyonov, and the Co-Chairman of the Russia-wide social organisation Delovaya Rossiya, Mr Andrei Nazarov. The organisers of the Forum are the Government of the Crimean Republic, and the Yalta International Economic Forum Foundation, supported by the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.

YIEF-2016, which was held over 14th-16th April 2016, received more than 1100 visitors, who included governmental representatives, members of the business community, and economic experts. Among these were more than 70 international delegates from 26 different countries – politicians, business leaders and other opinion-formers. It represents the largest single gathering of foreign guests to have visited Crimea for business discussions for the whole period since Crimea was reunited with the Russian Federation.

During the events of YIEF-2016, twelve investment agreements were signed, to an overall total value of 70 billion roubles; a new mechanism for the protection of foreign investors intent on working in Crimea from the negative outfall of economic sanctions which have been applied by western nations. The Forum hosted the signing of an agreement for the construction of a new airport terminal at Simferopol airport, for an overall investment sum of 32 billion roubles – a new economic record for investment projects instituted within the new history of the Crimean Republic.